EP1287720B1 - Electromechanical transducer - Google Patents

Electromechanical transducer Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1287720B1
EP1287720B1 EP01943375A EP01943375A EP1287720B1 EP 1287720 B1 EP1287720 B1 EP 1287720B1 EP 01943375 A EP01943375 A EP 01943375A EP 01943375 A EP01943375 A EP 01943375A EP 1287720 B1 EP1287720 B1 EP 1287720B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
circuit board
piezoelectric elements
printed circuit
electromechanical transducer
flexible printed
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP01943375A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1287720A1 (en
Inventor
Dietmar Birgel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Endress and Hauser SE and Co KG
Original Assignee
Endress and Hauser SE and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Endress and Hauser SE and Co KG filed Critical Endress and Hauser SE and Co KG
Publication of EP1287720A1 publication Critical patent/EP1287720A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1287720B1 publication Critical patent/EP1287720B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R17/00—Piezoelectric transducers; Electrostrictive transducers
    • H04R17/005—Piezoelectric transducers; Electrostrictive transducers using a piezoelectric polymer
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N30/00—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices
    • H10N30/101—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices with electrical and mechanical input and output, e.g. having combined actuator and sensor parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N30/00—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices
    • H10N30/50—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices having a stacked or multilayer structure
    • H10N30/503—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices having a stacked or multilayer structure having a non-rectangular cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the stacking direction, e.g. polygonal or circular in top view
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N30/00—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices
    • H10N30/80—Constructional details
    • H10N30/87—Electrodes or interconnections, e.g. leads or terminals
    • H10N30/871—Single-layered electrodes of multilayer piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices, e.g. internal electrodes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N30/00—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices
    • H10N30/80—Constructional details
    • H10N30/87—Electrodes or interconnections, e.g. leads or terminals
    • H10N30/872—Interconnections, e.g. connection electrodes of multilayer piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N30/00—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices
    • H10N30/80—Constructional details
    • H10N30/87—Electrodes or interconnections, e.g. leads or terminals
    • H10N30/875—Further connection or lead arrangements, e.g. flexible wiring boards, terminal pins
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K1/00—Printed circuits
    • H05K1/18—Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components
    • H05K1/189—Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components characterised by the use of a flexible or folded printed circuit

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electromechanical transducer with piezoelectric arranged in a stack Elements between which contact electrodes are arranged over which the piezoelectric elements are electrical are connected.
  • Such electromechanical transducers are e.g. in the measuring and Control technology used.
  • Devices for Detection and / or monitoring of a predetermined Level in a container on the market the one on the level of the predetermined level have mechanical vibrational structure, which by a electromechanical transducer is excited to vibrate.
  • An example of such a device is in DE-A 41 18 793.
  • the vibrations of the mechanical Vibrations are recorded and electrical Signals converted for further processing and / or evaluation are accessible. From the electrical Signals can e.g. a frequency and / or an amplitude the vibration can be determined. Frequency and / or amplitude provide information about whether the mechanical Vibration structure is covered by a product or Not.
  • Such level switches are used in many Branches of industry, especially in chemistry and in Used in the food industry. They are used for Point level detection and are e.g. as overfill protection or used as pump idle protection.
  • Electromechanical transducers arranged in a stack Piezoelectric elements have the advantage that several piezoelectric elements electrically parallel and can be mechanically connected in series. hereby can achieve a very robust powerful converter become.
  • the piezoelectric elements With conventional electromechanical transducers, the piezoelectric elements usually manually piled up and there are between two flat electrodes are inserted into adjacent elements and e.g. attached with an adhesive. These electrodes have contact flags led out of the stack, via which the piezoelectric elements are to be connected.
  • the flexible PCB has a step-shaped section on, a flat connection lug is out at each step led, and the steps have a height that is equal the thickness of those adjacent to the respective steps is piezoelectric elements.
  • the stack consists of at least two partial stacks arranged one on top of the other, and are the piezoelectric elements of each sub-stack by means of a base area assigned to the partial stack flexible circuit board arranged around from the Printed circuit board led out connection lugs connected.
  • the invention further consists in a method for Manufacture of one of the aforementioned electromechanical Transducers in which the flexible circuit board with components is populated, the connecting lugs by deforming the flexible circuit board parallel to each other and one above the other are arranged, whereby the piezoelectric elements be stacked on top of one another, and the stack is pressed.
  • the components are piezoelectric elements and SMD components, and the Assembly takes place automatically.
  • Connection lugs are part of the flexible circuit board. So they are not individual loose components that cause additional costs, but only specifically shaped sections of the already existing PCB.
  • connection lugs of the flexible printed circuit board are particularly well suited for machine production.
  • all connection lugs can be mechanically provided with adhesive at the same time and then mechanically fitted with the piezoelectric elements.
  • further electronic components to be provided on the flexible printed circuit board can be assembled in one operation. This makes it possible to manufacture the electromagnetic transducers according to the invention very quickly, quasi fully automatically and therefore very cost-effectively.
  • Fig. 1 shows a designed according to the invention electromechanical transducer. It embraces in a stack arranged piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11. Between the piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, above the top placed piezoelectric Elements 1 and below the bottom piezoelectric element 11 is one Contact electrode S, E or G arranged.
  • the Piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 are about the Contact electrodes S, E, G electrically on in a flexible Printed circuit board 13 running lines, in the chosen one Embodiment a transmission signal line LS, a Receive signal line LE and an earth line LG, connected. It is in the chosen embodiment the contact electrodes S with the transmission signal line LS, the Contact electrodes E with the received signal line LE and the contact electrodes G are connected to the earth line LG.
  • the arrangement of the selected in the embodiment piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and their electrical wiring is e.g. for use in a device for detection described above and / or monitoring a predetermined fill level suitable.
  • the contact electrode G is above the top one piezoelectric element 1 with the ground line LG, the Contact electrode S between the top piezoelectric Element 1 and the adjacent piezoelectric Element 3 with the transmission signal line LS, the next following Contact electrode G between the piezoelectric element 3 and the piezoelectric element 5 with the earth line LG, the contact electrode S between the piezoelectric Element 5 and the piezoelectric element 7 with the Transmit signal line LS and the contact electrode G below of the piezoelectric element 7 is connected to the earth line LG connected.
  • Piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5 and 7 all have a polarization parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stack. Adjacent piezoelectric elements 1-3, 3-5, 5-7 are polarized in opposite directions. This is shown in Fig. 1 by the marking with + and -.
  • a supplied via the transmission signal line LS AC voltage leads to a synchronous equal directional thickness oscillation of the piezoelectric Elements 1, 3, 5, 7.
  • the by the piezoelectric Elements 1, 3, 5, 7 formed part stack serves e.g. as a Transmitter for excitation of the AC voltage supplied dependent vibrations.
  • Cutting disc 15 made of an insulator, e.g. from a ceramic, arranged below the piezoelectric element 7 .
  • the cutting disc 15 causes an electrical and mechanical decoupling of the top piezoelectric Elements 1, 3, 5, 7 of those below the cutting disc 15 arranged piezoelectric elements 9, 11.
  • the is by Piezoelectric elements 9, 11 formed partial stacks as Trained receiver. It's the piezoelectric Elements 9, 11 electrically parallel and mechanically in series connected.
  • contact electrode G is above the piezoelectric element 9 and the contact electrode G below the piezoelectric element 11 with the Earth line LG connected.
  • the between the piezoelectric Elements 9 and 11 arranged contact electrode E is with the reception signal line LE connected.
  • Flexible printed circuit boards are e.g. from the Schoeller company Electronics sold under the trade name Polyflex. She exist e.g. from a thin sheet of copper, which is from the Company Schoeller Elektronik according to a desired one Conductor configuration treated in an etching process and a thickness on both sides Polyimide cover film is laminated.
  • a flexible printed circuit board 13 used in which the contact electrodes S, E, G from the flexible printed circuit board 13 led out flat Connection flags are.
  • the connection lugs are more integral Part of the flexible circuit board 13. You will e.g. from correspondingly shaped segments of the copper sheet formed, which are not provided with a cover film.
  • Fig. 2 shows a view of a first embodiment a flexible printed circuit board designed according to the invention 13a. It has a step-shaped section 17 on. It includes in the embodiment shown seven levels 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31. At each level 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 is a flat connection lug 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45 out. The one on the edge Section 17 final level 31 is very low. On this level 31 in not just on an upper side of the level 31 the terminal lug 45 led out, but it is an additional one from the bottom of level 31 Terminal lug 47 led out.
  • the connecting lugs 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 each have a narrow web and an integrally formed on its end facing away from the step circular disk-shaped electrode surface.
  • the steps 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45 have a height, which are equal to the thickness of the respective steps 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45 adjacent piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11.
  • the flexible Printed circuit board 13a With components are here the piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, the Cutting disc 15 and possibly others on the Printed circuit board 13a required electrical components.
  • the electrical components in FIG. 2 are preferably only schematically shown surface-mountable Modules, so-called SMD components 49, so that the Assembly of the circuit board 13a take place fully automatically can.
  • the SMD components 49 are on one of the stepped portion 17 adjacent portion 51 arranged.
  • an adhesive e.g. a conductive adhesive or an SMD adhesive, applied and the piezoelectric element 1 is applied the terminal lug 33, the piezoelectric element 3 the terminal lug 35, the piezoelectric element 5 the terminal lug 37, the piezoelectric element 7 the terminal lug 39, the cutting disc 15 on the Terminal lug 41, the piezoelectric element 9 on the Terminal lug 43 and the piezoelectric element 11 the terminal lug 45 applied.
  • the connecting lugs 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 by deforming the flexible circuit board 13a arranged parallel to each other and one above the other. At the in 2 embodiment shown, this is done by all connecting lugs 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 be set up until they are perpendicular to section 17 of the PCB 13a run, and section 17 starting is rolled up from the lowest level 31 side. As a result, the piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 with the cutting disc 15 interposed stacked. The preformed stack is then pressed to ensure a secure electrical connection between the connecting lugs 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 and the piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 guarantee.
  • connection lugs 33, 37, 41, 43 and 47 contact electrodes G with an in of the printed circuit board 13a, not in FIG. 2 shown earth line LG are connected.
  • the Terminal lugs 35, 39 form contact electrodes S, which with one running in the printed circuit board 13a, not in FIG. 2 shown transmission signal line LS are connected.
  • the Terminal lug 45 forms a contact electrode E, which with one running in the printed circuit board 13a, not in FIG. 2 shown receive signal line LE is connected.
  • the circuit board 13a has a narrow perpendicular to the Sections 17 and 51 extending extension 52, at the end of which a connector 53 is provided.
  • Extension 52 are all lines of the circuit board 13a continued with a connection outside the PCB 13a are to be connected. These include in the selected embodiment the transmission signal line LS, the reception signal line LE and the earth line LG.
  • Fig. 3 shows a view of another Embodiment of a flexible circuit board 13b.
  • the Printed circuit board 13b differs from that in FIG. 2 PCB 13a shown only by the Arrangement of the connection lugs and the position of the SMD components 49 on the printed circuit board 13a or 13b.
  • Connection lugs 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69 provided each ring-shaped around a base 71, 73 arranged.
  • the Stack as shown in Fig. 1, is built up and out at least two partial stacks arranged one on top of the other consists.
  • the connection lugs 55, 57, 59, 61 arranged around the base 71 and the Terminal lugs 63, 65, 67, 69 are around the base surface 73 arranged around.
  • the piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 each Sub-stacks 1-3-5-7 and 9-11 are by means of the Base 71, 73 assigned to the partial stack of the flexible Printed circuit board 13b arranged around from printed circuit board 13b led out connection lugs 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69 connected.
  • an adhesive e.g. a conductive adhesive or an SMD adhesive, applied and the piezoelectric element 1 is applied the terminal lug 55, the piezoelectric element 3 the terminal lug 57, the piezoelectric element 5 the terminal lug 59, the piezoelectric element 7 the terminal lug 61, the cutting disc 15 on the Terminal lug 63, the piezoelectric element 9 on the Terminal lug 65 and the piezoelectric element 11 the connecting lug 67 applied.
  • an adhesive e.g. a conductive adhesive or an SMD adhesive
  • the connecting lugs 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69 by deforming the flexible circuit board 13b arranged parallel to each other and one above the other. At the in 3, this is done, by bending the terminal tab 69 until it runs perpendicular to the circuit board 13b. Then will the terminal lug 67 folded over, so that that on it assembled piezoelectric element 11 flat on the Terminal lug 69 rests. Accordingly, with the following terminal lugs 65, 63, 61, 59, 57, 55 method.
  • the connecting flag 65 arranged piezoelectric element 9 on a piezoelectric element 11 facing away from the surface Terminal lug 67, which is arranged on the terminal lug 63 Cutting disc 15 on a piezoelectric element 9 facing surface of the terminal lug 65, which on the Terminal lug 61 arranged piezoelectric element 7 one of the cutting disc 15 facing surface of the Terminal lug 63, the one arranged on the terminal lug 59 piezoelectric element 5 on one of the piezoelectric Element 7 facing away from the terminal lug 61, the Piezoelectric arranged on the terminal lug 57 Element 3 on a piezoelectric element 5 facing surface of the terminal lug 59 and that on the Terminal lug 55 arranged piezoelectric element 1 one facing away from the piezoelectric element 3 Surface of the terminal lug 57.
  • the flexible printed circuit board 13b is also included here Components assembled, there are the connecting lugs 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69 by deforming the flexible PCB 13b parallel to each other and one above the other are arranged, whereby the piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 are stacked on top of each other, and then the stack is pressed.
  • the base areas 71, 73 are almost as Tangential surfaces on the outside of the two partial stacks.
  • SMD components 49 are arranged on the two base areas 71, 73.
  • these can also other electronic components in other places of the Printed circuit board 13b may be provided.
  • connection lugs 55, 59, 63, 65, 69 here according to contact electrodes G which with a in the printed circuit board 13b, in Fig. 3 ground line LG, not shown, are connected.
  • the Terminal lugs 57, 61 form contact electrodes S, which with one running in the printed circuit board 13b, not in FIG. 3 shown transmission signal line LS are connected.
  • the Terminal lug 67 forms a contact electrode E, which with one running in the printed circuit board 13b, not in FIG. 3 shown, receive signal line LE is connected.
  • FIGS Another exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS a flexible circuit board 13c shown. It will only the differences from the previous ones Embodiments explained in more detail.
  • the flexible printed circuit board 13c has a section 75, in which several conductor tracks run one above the other. each the conductor track ends in a perpendicular to the conductor track extending connecting tab 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91.
  • the individual connecting lugs 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91 are arranged parallel to each other and are used for connection of adjacent piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.
  • the connecting lugs 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91 provided with an adhesive for this purpose and it the gaps between the connecting lugs 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91 with the piezoelectric Elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and the cutting disc 15 stocked.
  • the flexible printed circuit board 13c has an elongated extension 52 on, at the end of which a connector 53 is provided, via the in the printed circuit board 13c extending from contactable outside.
  • a connector 53 is provided, via the in the printed circuit board 13c extending from contactable outside.
  • another section 93 of the circuit board 13c provided to be arranged on the electronic components can.
  • SMD component 49 which together with the piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and the Cutting disc 15 in an automatic assembly process can be applied.
  • 6 and 7 show two rotated against each other by 90 ° Cutting planes through a device for detection and / or monitoring a predetermined fill level in a container that a invention has electromechanical transducer 101.
  • the device has a substantially cylindrical Housing 95 on the end of a circular disc Membrane 97 is closed flush. At the Outside of the housing 95 are two in on the membrane 97 vibrating rods 99 formed on the container. casing 95, membrane 97 and vibrating rods 99 are components of one mechanical vibratory structure, which by an im Electromechanical arranged inside the housing 95 Converter 101 is vibrated. The leads Membrane 97 bending vibrations and the vibrating rods 99 become vibrations perpendicular to their longitudinal axis added. However, they are also vibrational structures usable with only one or no vibrating rods exhibit. The latter comes e.g. only that vibrating membrane with one in the container Product in contact.
  • the device is at a predetermined level Level.
  • the housing 95 External thread provided, by means of which the device in a corresponding opening can be screwed into a container is.
  • Other types of attachment e.g. by means of flanges, can also be used.
  • Other types of attachment e.g. using flanges can also be used.
  • electromechanical transducer it is provided, as was previously the case in FIG to 5 illustrated embodiments has been described. In operation, it serves the mechanical vibration structure to vibrate and one of them dependent vibrations at the current level and further processing and / or evaluation to make it accessible.
  • the converter 101 is between a first and a second stamp 103 adjacent to the end of the stack bordered.
  • the stamp 103 preferably consist of a very hard material, e.g. a metal.
  • the converter 101 is along a longitudinal axis of the housing 95 between a screwed into the housing 95 Pressure screw 105 and the membrane 97 clamped. hereby membrane 97 is biased.
  • the transmitter serves the mechanical in operation Vibrations to excite mechanical vibrations. To do this, there is an electrical one on the transmitter during operation Transmitting signal through which the transmitter and thus the converter 101 is excited to thickness oscillations.
  • vibration of the vibrating rods 99 leads to a bending vibration of the membrane 97, which in turn is a Thickness oscillation of the transducer 101 causes.
  • This Thickness oscillation leads to a change in the above Receiver falling voltage.
  • a corresponding one Receive signal is available via the receive signal line LE Available.
  • the amplitude of these received signals is greater, the greater the mechanical vibration amplitude of the mechanical vibration structure.
  • the arrangement is preferably operated at its resonant frequency f r .
  • the mechanical vibration amplitude is at a maximum at the resonance frequency f r .
  • a control circuit can be provided, for example, which regulates a phase difference between the transmitted signal and the received signal to a certain constant value, for example by adding a received signal via a phase shifter and an amplifier to it Send signal is coupled back.
  • a control loop is e.g. B. described in DE-A 44 19 617.
  • the resulting resonance frequency f r and its amplitude depend on whether or not the mechanical vibratory structure is covered by the filling material in the container.
  • one or both measured variables can be used to determine and / or to monitor the predetermined fill level.
  • the received signal can be fed to an evaluation unit, which uses a frequency measuring circuit to determine its frequency and feed the result to a comparator. This compares the measured frequency with a reference frequency f R stored in a memory. If the measured frequency is lower than the reference frequency f R , the evaluation unit emits an output signal which indicates that the mechanical oscillation structure is covered by a filling material. If the frequency has a value which is greater than the reference frequency f R , the evaluation unit emits an output signal which indicates that the mechanical oscillation structure is not covered by the filling material.
  • the output signal is e.g. a tension that one corresponding value or a current that a has a corresponding value or a signal current in Form of pulses with a corresponding frequency or a corresponding duration is superimposed.
  • the piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 are in a sleeve inserted from the side of the flexible PCB 13 is guided out.
  • the stamps 103 are plugged onto the end of the sleeve.
  • the circuit board is in the assembled state wrapped around the stack and in an insert 106 arranged in the housing 95.
  • the stake 106 is generally cup-shaped and has a bottom in the middle of which a through opening 107 is provided.
  • the shape of the opening 107 is that of Modeled after stamp 103.
  • the membrane 97 has preferably one of the shape of the first stamp 103 modeled trough in which the round dome of the Stamp 103 is rotatably mounted.
  • This form of storage has the advantage that due to the round shape of the dome and the trough a rotation without large friction losses and without torsional forces acting on the stack without further is possible and at the same time due to the large bearing surface of the dome in the trough is a very good one mechanical power transmission from the stack to the membrane 97 is guaranteed.
  • the insert 106 has a direction facing away from the membrane continued narrow wall section, which as Protective backrest for section 52 leading to plug 53 the flexible circuit board 13 is used.
  • the pressure screw 105 is with the insert 106 by means of a Snap lock connected.
  • insert 106 two opposite each other on its membrane-facing End arranged recesses in the appropriately shaped at a membrane-facing end of the Engage the pressure screw 105 with the provided locking lugs.
  • the Snap lock has the advantage that the insert 106 and the pressure screw 105 in a very simple manner are connected.
  • the pressure screw 105 has an open on the side Recess through which the connected to the connector 53 Section 52 of the flexible circuit board 13 passed through is.
  • a plug connector 109 is placed on the plug, via which the electromechanical converter can be connected.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Transducers For Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
  • General Electrical Machinery Utilizing Piezoelectricity, Electrostriction Or Magnetostriction (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)
  • Measuring Fluid Pressure (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)
  • Valve Device For Special Equipments (AREA)
  • Amplifiers (AREA)
  • Control Of Motors That Do Not Use Commutators (AREA)
  • Apparatuses For Generation Of Mechanical Vibrations (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to an electromechanical transducer that is easy and inexpensive to produce. The inventive transducer comprises stacked piezoelectric elements between which contact electrodes (G, S, E) are interposed via which the piezoelectric elements are electrically connected. The contact electrodes (G, S, E) are configured as planar terminal lugs that are connected to the outside from a flexible printed board.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen elektromechanischen Wandler mit in einem Stapel angeordneten piezoelektrischen Elementen, zwischen denen Kontaktelektroden angeordnet sind, über die die piezoelektrischen Elemente elektrisch angeschlossen sind.The invention relates to an electromechanical transducer with piezoelectric arranged in a stack Elements between which contact electrodes are arranged over which the piezoelectric elements are electrical are connected.

Ein solchen elektromechanischer Wandler ist aus EP-A-0'875'721 bekannt.Such an electromechanical transducer is known from EP-A-0'875'721 known.

Solche elektromechanischen Wandler werden z.B. in der Meßund Regeltechnik eingesetzt. So sind z.B. Vorrichtungen zur Feststellung und/oder Überwachung eines vorbestimmten Füllstandes in einem Behälter auf dem Markt, die ein auf der Höhe des vorbestimmten Füllstandes angebrachtes mechanisches Schwingungsgebilde aufweisen, das durch einen elektromechanischen Wandler zu Schwingungen anregt wird. Ein Beispiel für eine solche Vorrichtung ist in der DE-A 41 18 793 beschrieben. Die Schwingungen des mechanischen Schwingungsgebildes werden aufgenommen und in elektrische Signale umgewandelt, die einer weiteren Verarbeitung und/oder Auswertung zugänglich sind. Aus den elektrischen Signalen kann z.B. eine Frequenz und/oder eine Amplitude der Schwingung bestimmt werden. Frequenz und/oder Amplitude geben Aufschluß darüber, ob das mechanische Schwingungsgebilde von einem Füllgut bedeckt ist oder nicht.Such electromechanical transducers are e.g. in the measuring and Control technology used. For example, Devices for Detection and / or monitoring of a predetermined Level in a container on the market, the one on the level of the predetermined level have mechanical vibrational structure, which by a electromechanical transducer is excited to vibrate. An example of such a device is in DE-A 41 18 793. The vibrations of the mechanical Vibrations are recorded and electrical Signals converted for further processing and / or evaluation are accessible. From the electrical Signals can e.g. a frequency and / or an amplitude the vibration can be determined. Frequency and / or amplitude provide information about whether the mechanical Vibration structure is covered by a product or Not.

Derartige Füllstandsgrenzschalter werden in vielen Industriezweigen, insb. in der Chemie und in der Lebensmittelindustrie eingesetzt. Sie dienen zur Grenzstandsdetektion und werden z.B. als Überfüllsicherung oder als Pumpenleerlaufschutz verwendet.Such level switches are used in many Branches of industry, especially in chemistry and in Used in the food industry. They are used for Point level detection and are e.g. as overfill protection or used as pump idle protection.

Elektromechanische Wandler mit in einem Stapel angeordneten piezoelektrischen Elementen bieten den Vorteil, daß mehrere piezoelektrische Elemente elektrisch parallel und mechanisch in Reihe geschaltet werden können. Hierdurch kann ein sehr robuster leistungsstarker Wandler erzielt werden.Electromechanical transducers arranged in a stack Piezoelectric elements have the advantage that several piezoelectric elements electrically parallel and can be mechanically connected in series. hereby can achieve a very robust powerful converter become.

Bei herkömmlichen elektromechanischen Wandlern werden die piezoelektrischen Elemente üblicherweise manuell aufgestapelt und es werden zwischen jeweils zwei benachbarten Elementen flächige Elektroden eingefügt und z.B. mittels eines Klebers befestigt. Diese Elektroden weisen aus dem Stapel heraus geführte Kontaktfahnen auf, über die die piezoelektrischen Elemente anzuschließen sind.With conventional electromechanical transducers, the piezoelectric elements usually manually piled up and there are between two flat electrodes are inserted into adjacent elements and e.g. attached with an adhesive. These electrodes have contact flags led out of the stack, via which the piezoelectric elements are to be connected.

Die Herstellung eines solchen Stapels ist sehr arbeitsaufwendig. Dies ist, besonders bei den üblicherweise erforderlichen hohen Stückzahlen sehr kostenintensiv.The manufacture of such a stack is very labor intensive. This is common, especially with the required high quantities very cost-intensive.

Es ist eine Aufgabe der Erfindung, einen elektromechanischen Wandler anzugeben, der einfach und kostengünstig herstellbar ist.It is an object of the invention to provide one specify electromechanical transducer that is simple and is inexpensive to manufacture.

Hierzu besteht die Erfindung in einem elektromechanischen Wandler, welcher umfaßt:

  • in einem Stapel angeordnete piezoelektrische Elemente,
    • zwischen denen Kontaktelektroden angeordnet sind, über die die piezoelektrischen Elemente elektrisch angeschlossen sind,
  • wobei die Kontaktelektroden aus einer flexiblen Leiterplatte heraus geführte flächige Anschlußfahnen sind.
To this end, the invention consists in an electromechanical transducer which comprises:
  • piezoelectric elements arranged in a stack,
    • between which contact electrodes are arranged, via which the piezoelectric elements are electrically connected,
  • wherein the contact electrodes are led out of a flexible printed circuit board.

Gemäß einer ersten Ausgestaltung weist die flexible Leiterplatte einen stufenförmig ausgebildeten Abschnitt auf, an jeder Stufe ist eine flächige Anschlußfahne heraus geführt, und die Stufen weisen eine Höhe auf, die gleich der Dicke der an die jeweilige Stufen angrenzenden piezoelektrischen Elemente ist. According to a first embodiment, the flexible PCB has a step-shaped section on, a flat connection lug is out at each step led, and the steps have a height that is equal the thickness of those adjacent to the respective steps is piezoelectric elements.

Gemäß einer zweiten Ausgestaltung besteht der Stapel aus mindestens zwei aufeinander angeordneten Teilstapeln, und die piezoelektrischen Elemente jeden Teilstapels sind mittels um eine dem Teilstapel zugeordnete Grundfläche der flexiblen Leiterplatte herum angeordneten aus der Leiterplatte heraus geführten Anschlußfahnen angeschlossen.According to a second embodiment, the stack consists of at least two partial stacks arranged one on top of the other, and are the piezoelectric elements of each sub-stack by means of a base area assigned to the partial stack flexible circuit board arranged around from the Printed circuit board led out connection lugs connected.

Gemäß einer dritten Ausgestaltung weist die flexible Leiterplatte einen Abschnitt auf, in dem mehrere Leiterbahnen übereinander verlaufen und bei dem jede Leiterbahn in einer senkrecht zur Leiterbahn verlaufenden Anschlußfahne endet, wobei die einzelnen Anschlußfahnen zueinander parallel angeordnet sind und zum Anschluß von an sie angrenzenden piezoelektrischen Elementen dienen.According to a third embodiment, the flexible PCB section on which several Conductors run one above the other and each one Trace in a perpendicular to the trace Terminal lug ends, the individual terminal lugs are arranged parallel to each other and for connecting to they serve adjacent piezoelectric elements.

Gemäß einer Ausgestaltung einer der vorgenannten Ausgestaltungen sind auf der flexiblen Leiterplatte elektronische Bauteile, insb. SMD-Bauteile, angeordnet.According to an embodiment of one of the aforementioned Refinements are on the flexible circuit board electronic components, especially SMD components, arranged.

Weiter besteht die Erfindung in einem Verfahren zur Herstellung eines der vorgenannten elektromechanischen Wandlern, bei dem die flexible Leiterplatte mit Bauteilen bestückt wird, die Anschlußfahnen durch Verformen der flexiblen Leiterplatte parallel zueinander und übereinander angeordnet werden, wodurch die piezoelektrischen Elemente aufeinander gestapelt werden, und der Stapel verpreßt wird.The invention further consists in a method for Manufacture of one of the aforementioned electromechanical Transducers in which the flexible circuit board with components is populated, the connecting lugs by deforming the flexible circuit board parallel to each other and one above the other are arranged, whereby the piezoelectric elements be stacked on top of one another, and the stack is pressed.

Gemäß einer Ausgestaltung des Verfahrens sind die Bauteile piezoelektrische Elemente und SMD-Bauteile, und die Bestückung erfolgt automatisch.According to one embodiment of the method, the components are piezoelectric elements and SMD components, and the Assembly takes place automatically.

Außerdem besteht die Erfindung in einer Vorrichtung zur Feststellung und/oder Überwachung eines vorbestimmten Füllstandes in einem Behälter, welche Vorrichtung umfaßt:

  • ein auf der Höhe des vorbestimmten Füllstandes anzubringendes mechanisches Schwingungsgebilde,
  • einem erfindungsgemäßen elektromechanischen Wandler,
    • der im Betrieb dazu dient das mechanische Schwingungsgebilde in Schwingungen zu versetzten und dessen von einem momentanen Füllstand abhängige Schwingungen aufzunehmen und einer weiteren Verarbeitung und/oder Auswertung zugänglich zu machen.
The invention also relates to a device for determining and / or monitoring a predetermined fill level in a container, which device comprises:
  • a mechanical vibration structure to be attached at the level of the predetermined level,
  • an electromechanical transducer according to the invention,
    • which is used in operation to set the mechanical oscillation structure in vibration and to absorb its vibration, which is dependent on a current level, and to make it accessible for further processing and / or evaluation.

Ein Vorteil der Erfindung besteht darin, daß die Anschlußfahnen Bestandteil der flexiblen Leiterplatte sind. Sie sind also keine einzelnen losen Bauteile, die zusätzliche Kosten verursachen, sondern lediglich speziell ausgeformte Abschnitte der ohnehin vorhandenen Leiterplatte.An advantage of the invention is that the Connection lugs are part of the flexible circuit board. So they are not individual loose components that cause additional costs, but only specifically shaped sections of the already existing PCB.

Die Anschlußfahnen der flexiblen Leiterplatte eignen sich besonders gut für eine maschinelle Fertigung. So können z.B. alle Anschlußfahnen gleichzeitig maschinell mit Kleber versehen und anschließend maschinell mit den piezoelektrischen Elementen bestückt werden. In dem gleichen Bestückungsvorgang können weitere auf der flexiblen Leiterplatte vorzusehende elektronische Bauteile in einem Arbeitsgang montiert werden.
Damit ist die Fertigung der erfindungsgemäßen elektromagnetischen Wandler sehr schnell, quasi vollautomatisch und damit sehr kostengünstig möglich.The connection lugs of the flexible printed circuit board are particularly well suited for machine production. For example, all connection lugs can be mechanically provided with adhesive at the same time and then mechanically fitted with the piezoelectric elements. In the same assembly process, further electronic components to be provided on the flexible printed circuit board can be assembled in one operation.
This makes it possible to manufacture the electromagnetic transducers according to the invention very quickly, quasi fully automatically and therefore very cost-effectively.

Die Erfindung und weitere Vorteile werden nun anhand der Figuren der Zeichnung, in denen drei Ausführungsbeispiele dargestellt sind, näher erläutert; gleiche Elemente sind in den Figuren mit gleichen Bezugszeichen versehen.

Fig. 1 zeigt
einen erfindungsgemäßen elektromechanischen Wandler;
Fig. 2 zeigt
eine Ansicht einer flexible Leiterplatte mit stufenförmig angeordneten Anschlußfahnen;
Fig. 3 zeigt
eine Ansicht einer flexible Leiterplatte mit ringförmig um eine Grundfläche angeordneten Anschlußfahnen;
Fig. 4 zeigt
eine Ansicht einer flexible Leiterplatte mit einem Abschnitt in dem mehrere Leiterbahnen übereinander verlaufen und bei dem jede Leiterbahn in einer senkrecht zur Leiterbahn verlaufenden Anschlußfahne endet;
Fig. 5 zeigt
einen Schnitt durch die in Fig. 4 dargestellte Leiterplatte;
Fig. 6 zeigt
einen Schnitt durch eine Vorrichtung zur Feststellung und/oder Überwachung eines vorbestimmten Füllstandes in einem Behälter mit einem erfindungsgemäßen elektromechanischen Wandler; und
Fig. 7 zeigt
einen Schnitt durch die Vorrichtung von Fig. 6, wobei die Schnittebene gegnüber der in Fig. 6 dargestellten Schnittebene um 90° gedreht ist.
The invention and further advantages will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures of the drawing, in which three exemplary embodiments are shown; Identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.
Fig. 1 shows
an electromechanical transducer according to the invention;
Fig. 2 shows
a view of a flexible circuit board with step-like arranged tabs;
Fig. 3 shows
a view of a flexible circuit board with annularly arranged around a base tabs;
Fig. 4 shows
a view of a flexible circuit board with a section in which a plurality of conductor tracks run one above the other and in which each conductor track ends in a connecting lug running perpendicular to the conductor track;
Fig. 5 shows
a section through the circuit board shown in Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 shows
a section through a device for determining and / or monitoring a predetermined level in a container with an electromechanical transducer according to the invention; and
Fig. 7 shows
6 shows a section through the device of FIG. 6, the section plane being rotated by 90 ° with respect to the section plane shown in FIG. 6.

Fig. 1 zeigt einen erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten elektromechanischer Wandler. Er umfaßt in einem Stapel angeordnete piezoelektrische Elemente 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11. Zwischen den piezoelektrischen Elementen 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, oberhalb des zuoberst angeordneten piezoelektrischen Elements 1 und unterhalb des zuunterst angeordneten piezoelektrischen Elements 11 ist jeweils eine Kontaktelektrode S, E oder G angeordnet. Die piezoelektrischen Elemente 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 sind über die Kontaktelektroden S, E, G elektrisch an in einer flexiblen Leiterplatte 13 verlaufende Leitungen, in dem gewählten Ausführungsbeispiel eine Sendesignalleitung LS, eine Empfangssignalleitung LE und eine Erdleitung LG, angeschlossen. Es sind in dem gewählten Ausführungsbeispiel die Kontaktelektroden S mit der Sendesignalleitung LS, die Kontaktelektroden E mit der Empfangssignalleitung LE und die Kontaktelektroden G mit der Erdleitung LG verbunden.Fig. 1 shows a designed according to the invention electromechanical transducer. It embraces in a stack arranged piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11. Between the piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, above the top placed piezoelectric Elements 1 and below the bottom piezoelectric element 11 is one Contact electrode S, E or G arranged. The Piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 are about the Contact electrodes S, E, G electrically on in a flexible Printed circuit board 13 running lines, in the chosen one Embodiment a transmission signal line LS, a Receive signal line LE and an earth line LG, connected. It is in the chosen embodiment the contact electrodes S with the transmission signal line LS, the Contact electrodes E with the received signal line LE and the contact electrodes G are connected to the earth line LG.

Die Reihenfolge der piezoelektrischen Elemente und deren elektrische Anschlußweise an Anschlußleitungen ist beliebig und ist in Abhängigkeit von der späteren Verwendung des Wandlers zu wählen.The order of the piezoelectric elements and their electrical connection to connecting lines is arbitrary and is dependent on the later use of the Converter.

Die in dem Ausführungsbeispiel gewählte Anordnung der piezoelektrischen Elemente 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 und deren elektrische Beschaltung ist z.B. für eine Verwendung in einer eingangs beschriebenen Vorrichtung zur Feststellung und/oder Überwachung eines vorbestimmten Füllstandes geeignet.The arrangement of the selected in the embodiment piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and their electrical wiring is e.g. for use in a device for detection described above and / or monitoring a predetermined fill level suitable.

Es sind die oberen vier piezoelektrischen Elemente 1, 3, 5, 7 elektrisch parallel und mechanisch in Reihe geschaltet. Hierzu ist die Kontaktelektrode G oberhalb des obersten piezoelektrischen Elements 1 mit der Erdleitung LG, die Kontaktelektrode S zwischen dem obersten piezoelektrischen Element 1 und dem dazu benachbarten piezoelektrischen Element 3 mit der Sendesignalleitung LS, die nächstfolgende Kontaktelektrode G zwischen dem piezoelektrischen Element 3 und dem piezoelektrischen Element 5 mit der Erdleitung LG, die Kontaktelektrode S zwischen dem piezoelektrischen Element 5 und dem piezoelektrischen Element 7 mit der Sendesignalleitung LS und die Kontaktelektrode G unterhalb des piezoelektrischen Elements 7 ist mit der Erdleitung LG verbunden. Die piezoelektrischen Elemente 1, 3, 5 und 7 weisen alle eine Polarisation parallel zu einer Längsachse des Stapels auf. Benachbarte piezoelektrische Elemente 1-3, 3-5, 5-7 sind jedoch entgegengesetzt polarisiert. Dies ist in Fig. 1 durch die Markierung mit + und - dargestellt. There are the top four piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7 electrically connected in parallel and mechanically in series. For this purpose, the contact electrode G is above the top one piezoelectric element 1 with the ground line LG, the Contact electrode S between the top piezoelectric Element 1 and the adjacent piezoelectric Element 3 with the transmission signal line LS, the next following Contact electrode G between the piezoelectric element 3 and the piezoelectric element 5 with the earth line LG, the contact electrode S between the piezoelectric Element 5 and the piezoelectric element 7 with the Transmit signal line LS and the contact electrode G below of the piezoelectric element 7 is connected to the earth line LG connected. Piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5 and 7 all have a polarization parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stack. Adjacent piezoelectric elements 1-3, 3-5, 5-7 are polarized in opposite directions. This is shown in Fig. 1 by the marking with + and -.

Eine über die Sendesignalleitung LS zugeführte Wechselspannung führt zu einer synchronen gleich gerichteten Dickenoszillation der piezoelektrischen Elemente 1, 3, 5, 7. Der durch die piezoelektrischen Elemente 1, 3, 5, 7 gebildete Teilstapel dient z.B. als ein Sender zur Anregung von von der zugeführten Wechselspannung abhängigen Schwingungen.A supplied via the transmission signal line LS AC voltage leads to a synchronous equal directional thickness oscillation of the piezoelectric Elements 1, 3, 5, 7. The by the piezoelectric Elements 1, 3, 5, 7 formed part stack serves e.g. as a Transmitter for excitation of the AC voltage supplied dependent vibrations.

Unterhalb des piezoelektrischen Elements 7 ist eine Trennscheibe 15 aus einem Isolator, z.B. aus einer Keramik, angeordnet. Die Trennscheibe 15 bewirkt eine elektrische und mechanische Entkopplung der oberen piezoelektrischen Elemente 1, 3, 5, 7 von den unterhalb der Trennscheibe 15 angeordneten piezoelektrischen Elemente 9, 11.Below the piezoelectric element 7 is one Cutting disc 15 made of an insulator, e.g. from a ceramic, arranged. The cutting disc 15 causes an electrical and mechanical decoupling of the top piezoelectric Elements 1, 3, 5, 7 of those below the cutting disc 15 arranged piezoelectric elements 9, 11.

In dem gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel ist der durch die piezoelektrischen Elemente 9, 11 gebildete Teilstapel als Empfänger ausgebildet. Es sind die piezoelektrischen Elemente 9, 11 elektrisch parallel und mechanisch in Reihe geschaltet. Hierzu ist Kontaktelektrode G oberhalb des piezoelektrischen Elements 9 und die Kontaktelektrode G unterhalb des piezoelektrischen Elements 11 mit der Erdleitung LG verbunden. Die zwischen den piezoelektrischen Elementen 9 und 11 angeordnete Kontaktelektrode E ist mit der Empfangssignalleitung LE verbunden.In the embodiment shown, the is by Piezoelectric elements 9, 11 formed partial stacks as Trained receiver. It's the piezoelectric Elements 9, 11 electrically parallel and mechanically in series connected. For this purpose, contact electrode G is above the piezoelectric element 9 and the contact electrode G below the piezoelectric element 11 with the Earth line LG connected. The between the piezoelectric Elements 9 and 11 arranged contact electrode E is with the reception signal line LE connected.

Wird ein mechanisches Schwingungsgebilde durch den Sender zu Schwingungen angeregt, so führen der Stapel und das Schwingungsgebilde Schwingungen aus, die über den Empfänger in Form einer über die Empfangssignalleitung LE abnehmbaren sich abhängig von der resultierenden Schwingung ändernden Spannung einer weiteren Verarbeitung und/oder Auswertung zugänglich ist.Becomes a mechanical vibration structure by the transmitter excited to vibrate, so the stack and lead Vibration structures vibrate out through the receiver in the form of a removable via the receive signal line LE change depending on the resulting vibration Excitement of further processing and / or evaluation is accessible.

Flexible Leiterplatten werden z.B. von der Firma Schoeller Elektronik unter dem Handelsnamen Polyflex vertrieben. Sie bestehen z.B. aus einem dünnen Kupferblech, das von der Firma Schoeller Elektronik entsprechend einer gewünschten Leiterbahnkonfiguration in einem Ätzprozeß behandelt und auf das nachfolgend beidseitig jeweils eine dicke Polyimid-Deckfolie auflaminiert wird.Flexible printed circuit boards are e.g. from the Schoeller company Electronics sold under the trade name Polyflex. she exist e.g. from a thin sheet of copper, which is from the Company Schoeller Elektronik according to a desired one Conductor configuration treated in an etching process and a thickness on both sides Polyimide cover film is laminated.

Erfindungsgemäß wird eine flexible Leiterplatte 13 verwendet, bei der die Kontaktelektroden S, E, G aus der flexiblen Leiterplatte 13 heraus geführte flächige Anschlußfahnen sind. Die Anschlußfahnen sind integraler Bestandteil der flexiblen Leiterplatte 13. Sie werden z.B. aus entsprechend geformten Segmenten des Kupferblechs gebildet, die nicht mit einer Deckfolie versehen sind.According to the invention, a flexible printed circuit board 13 used, in which the contact electrodes S, E, G from the flexible printed circuit board 13 led out flat Connection flags are. The connection lugs are more integral Part of the flexible circuit board 13. You will e.g. from correspondingly shaped segments of the copper sheet formed, which are not provided with a cover film.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine Ansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten flexible Leiterplatte 13a. Sie weist einen stufenförmig ausgebildeten Abschnitt 17 auf. Er umfaßt in dem gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel sieben Stufen 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31. An jeder Stufe 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 ist eine flächige Anschlußfahne 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45 heraus geführt. Die am Rand den Abschnitt 17 abschließende Stufe 31 ist sehr niedrig. An dieser Stufe 31 in nicht nur an einer Oberseite der Stufe 31 die Anschlußfahne 45 heraus geführt, sondern es ist zusätzlich aus einer Unterseite der Stufe 31 eine weitere Anschlußfahne 47 heraus geführt. Die Anschlußfahnen 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 weisen jeweils einen schmalen Steg und eine an dessen stufen-abgewandten Ende angeformte kreisscheibenförmige Elektrodenfläche auf.Fig. 2 shows a view of a first embodiment a flexible printed circuit board designed according to the invention 13a. It has a step-shaped section 17 on. It includes in the embodiment shown seven levels 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31. At each level 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 is a flat connection lug 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45 out. The one on the edge Section 17 final level 31 is very low. On this level 31 in not just on an upper side of the level 31 the terminal lug 45 led out, but it is an additional one from the bottom of level 31 Terminal lug 47 led out. The connecting lugs 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 each have a narrow web and an integrally formed on its end facing away from the step circular disk-shaped electrode surface.

Die Stufen 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45 weisen eine Höhe auf, die gleich der Dicke der an die jeweilige Stufen 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45 angrenzenden piezoelektrischen Elemente 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 ist.The steps 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45 have a height, which are equal to the thickness of the respective steps 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45 adjacent piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11.

Bei der Herstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen elektromechanischen Wandlers wird zunächst die flexible Leiterplatte 13a mit Bauteilen bestückt. Mit Bauteilen sind hier die piezoelektrischen Elemente 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, die Trennscheibe 15 und gegebenenfalls auch andere auf der Leiterplatte 13a benötigte elektrische Bauelemente gemeint. Vorzugsweise sind die elektrischen Bauelemente in Fig. 2 lediglich schematisch dargestellte oberflächen-montierbare Bausteine, sogenannte SMD-Bauteile 49, so daß die Bestückung der Leiterplatte 13a voll automatisch erfolgen kann. Die SMD-Bauteile 49 sind auf einem an den stufenförmigen Abschnitt 17 angrenzenden Abschnitt 51 angeordnet.In the manufacture of an inventive electromechanical converter is first the flexible Printed circuit board 13a with components. With components are here the piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, the Cutting disc 15 and possibly others on the Printed circuit board 13a required electrical components. The electrical components in FIG. 2 are preferably only schematically shown surface-mountable Modules, so-called SMD components 49, so that the Assembly of the circuit board 13a take place fully automatically can. The SMD components 49 are on one of the stepped portion 17 adjacent portion 51 arranged.

Bei der Montage der piezoelektrischen Elemente 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 wird auf die Anschlußfahnen 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 ein Kleber, z.B. ein Leitkleber oder ein SMD-Kleber, aufgebracht und es wird das piezoelektrische Element 1 auf die Anschlußfahne 33, das piezoelektrische Element 3 auf die Anschlußfahne 35, das piezoelektrische Element 5 auf die Anschlußfahne 37, das piezoelektrische Element 7 auf die Anschlußfahne 39, die Trennscheibe 15 auf die Anschlußfahne 41, das piezoelektrische Element 9 auf die Anschlußfahne 43 und das piezoelektrische Element 11 auf die Anschlußfahne 45 aufgebracht.When assembling the piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 is on the connecting lugs 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 an adhesive, e.g. a conductive adhesive or an SMD adhesive, applied and the piezoelectric element 1 is applied the terminal lug 33, the piezoelectric element 3 the terminal lug 35, the piezoelectric element 5 the terminal lug 37, the piezoelectric element 7 the terminal lug 39, the cutting disc 15 on the Terminal lug 41, the piezoelectric element 9 on the Terminal lug 43 and the piezoelectric element 11 the terminal lug 45 applied.

Nachfolgend werden die Anschlußfahnen 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 durch Verformen der flexiblen Leiterplatte 13a parallel zueinander und übereinander angeordnet. Bei dem in Fig. 2 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel erfolgt dies, indem alle Anschlußfahnen 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 aufgestellt werden, bis sie senkrecht zum Abschnitt 17 der Leiterplatte 13a verlaufen, und der Abschnitt 17 beginnend von der Seite der niedrigsten Stufe 31 her aufgerollt wird. Dadurch werden die piezoelektrischen Elemente 1, 3, 5 ,7, 9, 11 unter Zwischenfügung der Trennscheibe 15 aufeinander gestapelt. Der so vorgeformte Stapel wird anschließend verpreßt, um eine sichere elektrische Verbindung zwischen den Anschlußfahnen 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 und den piezoelektrischen Elementen 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 zu gewährleisten.The connecting lugs 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 by deforming the flexible circuit board 13a arranged parallel to each other and one above the other. At the in 2 embodiment shown, this is done by all connecting lugs 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 be set up until they are perpendicular to section 17 of the PCB 13a run, and section 17 starting is rolled up from the lowest level 31 side. As a result, the piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 with the cutting disc 15 interposed stacked. The preformed stack is then pressed to ensure a secure electrical connection between the connecting lugs 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 and the piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 guarantee.

In Übereinstimmung mit dem in Fig. 1 dargestellten elektromechanischen Wandler 13, bilden die Anschlußfahnen 33, 37, 41, 43 und 47 Kontaktelektroden G die mit einer in der Leiterplatte 13a verlaufenden, in Fig. 2 nicht dargestellten Erdleitung LG verbunden sind. Die Anschlußfahnen 35, 39 bilden Kontaktelektroden S, die mit einen in der Leiterplatte 13a verlaufenden, in Fig. 2 nicht dargestellten Sendesignalleitung LS verbunden sind. Die Anschlußfahne 45 bildet eine Kontaktelektrode E, die mit einer in der Leiterplatte 13a verlaufenden, in Fig. 2 nicht dargestellten Empfangssignalleitung LE verbunden ist.In accordance with that shown in FIG. 1 electromechanical transducers 13, form the connection lugs 33, 37, 41, 43 and 47 contact electrodes G with an in of the printed circuit board 13a, not in FIG. 2 shown earth line LG are connected. The Terminal lugs 35, 39 form contact electrodes S, which with one running in the printed circuit board 13a, not in FIG. 2 shown transmission signal line LS are connected. The Terminal lug 45 forms a contact electrode E, which with one running in the printed circuit board 13a, not in FIG. 2 shown receive signal line LE is connected.

Die Leiterplatte 13a weist einen schmalen senkrecht zu den Abschnitten 17 und 51 sich erstreckenden Fortsatz 52 auf, an dessen Ende ein Stecker 53 vorgesehen ist. In dem Fortsatz 52 sind sämtliche Leitungen der Leiterplatte 13a fortgeführt, die mit einem Anschluß außerhalb der Leiterplatte 13a zu verbinden sind. Hierzu gehören in dem gewählten Ausführungsbeispiel die Sendesignalleitung LS, die Empfangssignalleitung LE und die Erdleitung LG.The circuit board 13a has a narrow perpendicular to the Sections 17 and 51 extending extension 52, at the end of which a connector 53 is provided. By doing Extension 52 are all lines of the circuit board 13a continued with a connection outside the PCB 13a are to be connected. These include in the selected embodiment the transmission signal line LS, the reception signal line LE and the earth line LG.

Fig. 3 zeigt eine Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer flexible Leiterplatte 13b. Die Leiterplatte 13b unterscheidet sich von der in Fig. 2 dargestellten Leiterplatte 13a lediglich durch die Anordnung der Anschlußfahnen und die Position der SMD-Bauteile 49 auf der Leiterplatte 13a bzw. 13b.Fig. 3 shows a view of another Embodiment of a flexible circuit board 13b. The Printed circuit board 13b differs from that in FIG. 2 PCB 13a shown only by the Arrangement of the connection lugs and the position of the SMD components 49 on the printed circuit board 13a or 13b.

Bei dem in Fig. 3 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel sind Anschlußfahnen 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69 vorgesehen, die jeweils ringförmig um eine Grundfläche 71, 73 angeordnet. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 are Connection lugs 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69 provided each ring-shaped around a base 71, 73 arranged.

Auch bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel ist vorgesehen, daß der Stapel, wie in Fig. 1 dargestellt, aufgebaut ist und aus mindestens zwei aufeinander angeordneten Teilstapeln besteht. Entsprechend sind die Anschlußfahnen 55, 57, 59, 61 um die Grundfläche 71 herum angeordnet und die Anschlußfahnen 63, 65, 67, 69 sind um die Grundfläche 73 herum angeordnet.It is also provided in this embodiment that the Stack, as shown in Fig. 1, is built up and out at least two partial stacks arranged one on top of the other consists. Correspondingly, the connection lugs 55, 57, 59, 61 arranged around the base 71 and the Terminal lugs 63, 65, 67, 69 are around the base surface 73 arranged around.

Die piezoelektrischen Elemente 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 jeden Teilstapels 1-3-5-7 bzw. 9-11 sind mittels um die dem Teilstapel zugeordnete Grundfläche 71, 73 der flexiblen Leiterplatte 13b herum angeordnete aus der Leiterplatte 13b heraus geführte Anschlußfahnen 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69 angeschlossen.The piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 each Sub-stacks 1-3-5-7 and 9-11 are by means of the Base 71, 73 assigned to the partial stack of the flexible Printed circuit board 13b arranged around from printed circuit board 13b led out connection lugs 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69 connected.

Bei der Montage der piezoelektrischen Elemente 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 wird auf die Anschlußfahnen 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69 ein Kleber, z.B. ein Leitkleber oder ein SMD-Kleber, aufgebracht und es wird das piezoelektrische Element 1 auf die Anschlußfahne 55, das piezoelektrische Element 3 auf die Anschlußfahne 57, das piezoelektrische Element 5 auf die Anschlußfahne 59, das piezoelektrische Element 7 auf die Anschlußfahne 61, die Trennscheibe 15 auf die Anschlußfahne 63, das piezoelektrische Element 9 auf die Anschlußfahne 65 und das piezoelektrische Element 11 auf die Anschlußfahne 67 aufgebracht.When assembling the piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 is on the connecting lugs 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69 an adhesive, e.g. a conductive adhesive or an SMD adhesive, applied and the piezoelectric element 1 is applied the terminal lug 55, the piezoelectric element 3 the terminal lug 57, the piezoelectric element 5 the terminal lug 59, the piezoelectric element 7 the terminal lug 61, the cutting disc 15 on the Terminal lug 63, the piezoelectric element 9 on the Terminal lug 65 and the piezoelectric element 11 the connecting lug 67 applied.

Nachfolgend werden die Anschlußfahnen 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69 durch Verformen der flexiblen Leiterplatte 13b parallel zueinander und übereinander angeordnet. Bei dem in Fig. 3 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel erfolgt dies, indem die Anschlußfahne 69 aufgebogen wird, bis sie senkrecht zur Leiterplatte 13b verläuft. Anschließend wird die Anschlußfahne 67 umgefaltet, derart, daß das darauf montierte piezoelektrische Element 11 flächig auf der Anschlußfahne 69 aufliegt. Entsprechend wird mit den nachfolgenden Anschlußfahne 65, 63, 61, 59, 57, 55 verfahren. Es liegt schlußendlich das auf der Anschlußfahne 65 angeordnete piezoelektrische Element 9 auf einer dem piezoelektrischen Element 11 abgewandten Oberfläche der Anschlußfahne 67, die auf der Anschlußfahne 63 angeordnete Trennscheibe 15 auf einer dem piezoelektrischen Element 9 abgewandten Oberfläche der Anschlußfahne 65, das auf der Anschlußfahne 61 angeordnete piezoelektrische Element 7 auf einer der Trennscheibe 15 abgewandten Oberfläche der Anschlußfahne 63, das auf der Anschlußfahne 59 angeordnete piezoelektrische Element 5 auf einer dem piezoelektrischen Element 7 abgewandten Oberfläche der Anschlußfahne 61, das auf der Anschlußfahne 57 angeordnete piezoelektrische Element 3 auf einer dem piezoelektrischen Element 5 abgewandten Oberfläche der Anschlußfahne 59 und das auf der Anschlußfahne 55 angeordnete piezoelektrische Element 1 auf einer dem piezoelektrischen Element 3 abgewandten Oberfläche der Anschlußfahne 57 auf.The connecting lugs 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69 by deforming the flexible circuit board 13b arranged parallel to each other and one above the other. At the in 3, this is done, by bending the terminal tab 69 until it runs perpendicular to the circuit board 13b. Then will the terminal lug 67 folded over, so that that on it assembled piezoelectric element 11 flat on the Terminal lug 69 rests. Accordingly, with the following terminal lugs 65, 63, 61, 59, 57, 55 method. In the end it is on the connecting flag 65 arranged piezoelectric element 9 on a piezoelectric element 11 facing away from the surface Terminal lug 67, which is arranged on the terminal lug 63 Cutting disc 15 on a piezoelectric element 9 facing surface of the terminal lug 65, which on the Terminal lug 61 arranged piezoelectric element 7 one of the cutting disc 15 facing surface of the Terminal lug 63, the one arranged on the terminal lug 59 piezoelectric element 5 on one of the piezoelectric Element 7 facing away from the terminal lug 61, the Piezoelectric arranged on the terminal lug 57 Element 3 on a piezoelectric element 5 facing surface of the terminal lug 59 and that on the Terminal lug 55 arranged piezoelectric element 1 one facing away from the piezoelectric element 3 Surface of the terminal lug 57.

Auch hier wird also die flexible Leiterplatte 13b mit Bauteilen bestückt, es werden die Anschlußfahnen 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69 durch Verformen der flexiblen Leiterplatte 13b parallel zueinander und übereinander angeordnet werden, wodurch die piezoelektrischen Elemente 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 aufeinander gestapelt werden, und anschießende wird der Stapel verpreßt.The flexible printed circuit board 13b is also included here Components assembled, there are the connecting lugs 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69 by deforming the flexible PCB 13b parallel to each other and one above the other are arranged, whereby the piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 are stacked on top of each other, and then the stack is pressed.

Die Grundflächen 71, 73 liegen in diesem Zustand nahezu als Tangentialflächen außen an den beiden Teilstapeln an. Auf den beiden Grundflächen 71, 73 sind SMD-Bauteile 49 angeordnet. Selbstverständlich können diese oder auch andere elektronische Bauteile auch an anderen Orten der Leiterplatte 13b vorgesehen sein.In this state, the base areas 71, 73 are almost as Tangential surfaces on the outside of the two partial stacks. On the two base areas 71, 73 are SMD components 49 arranged. Of course, these can also other electronic components in other places of the Printed circuit board 13b may be provided.

In Übereinstimmung mit dem in Fig. 1 dargestellten elektromechanischen Wandler 13, bilden die Anschlußfahnen 55, 59, 63, 65, 69 hier entsprechend Kontaktelektroden G die mit einer in der Leiterplatte 13b verlaufenden, in Fig. 3 nicht dargestellten Erdleitung LG verbunden sind. Die Anschlußfahnen 57, 61 bilden Kontaktelektroden S, die mit einen in der Leiterplatte 13b verlaufenden, in Fig. 3 nicht dargestellten Sendesignalleitung LS verbunden sind. Die Anschlußfahne 67 bildet eine Kontaktelektrode E, die mit einer in der Leiterplatte 13b verlaufenden, in Fig. 3 nicht dargestellten, Empfangssignalleitung LE verbunden ist.In accordance with that shown in FIG. 1 electromechanical transducers 13, form the connection lugs 55, 59, 63, 65, 69 here according to contact electrodes G which with a in the printed circuit board 13b, in Fig. 3 ground line LG, not shown, are connected. The Terminal lugs 57, 61 form contact electrodes S, which with one running in the printed circuit board 13b, not in FIG. 3 shown transmission signal line LS are connected. The Terminal lug 67 forms a contact electrode E, which with one running in the printed circuit board 13b, not in FIG. 3 shown, receive signal line LE is connected.

In den Figuren 4 und 5 ist ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer flexiblen Leiterplatte 13c dargestellt. Es werden nachfolgend lediglich die Unterschiede zu den vorangehenden Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert.Another exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS a flexible circuit board 13c shown. It will only the differences from the previous ones Embodiments explained in more detail.

Die flexible Leiterplatte 13c weist einen Abschnitt 75 auf, in dem mehrere Leiterbahnen übereinander verlaufen. Jede der Leiterbahnen endet in einer senkrecht zur Leiterbahn verlaufenden Anschlußfahne 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91. Die einzelnen Anschlußfahnen 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91 sind zueinander parallel angeordnet und dienen zum Anschluß von an sie angrenzende piezoelektrische Elementen 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.The flexible printed circuit board 13c has a section 75, in which several conductor tracks run one above the other. each the conductor track ends in a perpendicular to the conductor track extending connecting tab 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91. The individual connecting lugs 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91 are arranged parallel to each other and are used for connection of adjacent piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.

Bei der Herstellung werden die Anschlußfahnen 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91 hierzu mit einem Kleber versehen und es werden die Zwischenräume zwischen den Anschlußfahnen 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91 mit den piezoelektrischen Elementen 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 und der Trennscheibe 15 bestückt. Dabei wird das piezoelektrische Element 1 zwischen die Anschlußfahnen 77 und 79, das piezoelektrische Element 3 zwischen die Anschlußfahnen 79 und 81, das piezoelektrische Element 5 zwischen die Anschlußfahnen 81 und 83, das piezoelektrische Element 7 zwischen die Anschlußfahnen 83 und 85, die Trennscheibe 15 zwischen die Anschlußfahnen 85 und 87, das piezoelektrische Element 9 zwischen die Anschlußfahnen 87 und 89 und das piezoelektrische Element 11 zwischen die Anschlußfahnen 89 und 91 gesetzt.During the manufacture, the connecting lugs 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91 provided with an adhesive for this purpose and it the gaps between the connecting lugs 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91 with the piezoelectric Elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and the cutting disc 15 stocked. The piezoelectric element 1 between the connecting lugs 77 and 79, the piezoelectric Element 3 between the connecting lugs 79 and 81, the piezoelectric element 5 between the connecting lugs 81 and 83, the piezoelectric element 7 between the Terminal lugs 83 and 85, the cutting disc 15 between the Terminal lugs 85 and 87, the piezoelectric element 9 between the connecting lugs 87 and 89 and that piezoelectric element 11 between the connecting lugs 89 and set 91.

Bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel ist eine besondere Verformung der flexiblen Leiterplatte 13c nicht erfoderlich, da die Anschlußfahnen 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91 bereits im wesentlichen deren endgültige Position aufweisen, d.h. in der gezeigten Form sind sie bereits aufgestellt, so daß sie senkrecht zur Leiterplattenebene verlaufen. Nach der Bestückung ist es auch hier notwendig, den Stapel zu verpressen, um eine dauerhafte elektrische und mechanische Verbindung mit den Anschlußfahnen 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91 herzustellen.In this embodiment is a special one No deformation of the flexible circuit board 13c required, since the connecting lugs 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91 already essentially their final position have, i.e. they are already in the form shown placed so that they are perpendicular to the circuit board level run. After assembly, it is also necessary here compress the stack to make a permanent electrical and mechanical connection with the connecting lugs 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91.

Der elektrische Anschluß der Anschlußfahnen 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91 an die Sendesignalleitung LS, die Empfangssignalleitung LE und die Erdleitung LG erfolgt analog zu den beiden vorangegangen Ausführungsbeispielen und ist daher hier nicht erneut aufgeführt.The electrical connection of the connecting lugs 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91 to the transmission signal line LS, the Received signal line LE and the earth line LG takes place analogous to the two previous exemplary embodiments and is therefore not listed here again.

Genau wie bei den vorangehenden Ausführungsbeispiele weist die flexible Leiterplatte 13c einen länglichen Fortsatz 52 auf, an dessen Ende ein Stecker 53 vorgesehen ist, über den in der Leiterplatte 13c verlaufende Leitungsbahnen von außen kontaktierbar sind. Im rechten Winkel zu dem Fortsatz 52 ist ein weiterer Abschnitt 93 der Leiterplatte 13c vorgesehen, auf dem elektronische Bauteile angeordnet sein können. Dies sind vorzugsweise, wie in Fig. 5 schematisch angedeutet, SMD-Bauteil 49, die zusammen mit den piezoelektrischen Elementen 1, 3, 5, 7, 9,11 und der Trennscheibe 15 in einem automatischen Bestückungsvorgang aufgebracht werden können.Exactly as in the previous exemplary embodiments the flexible printed circuit board 13c has an elongated extension 52 on, at the end of which a connector 53 is provided, via the in the printed circuit board 13c extending from contactable outside. At right angles to the extension 52 is another section 93 of the circuit board 13c provided to be arranged on the electronic components can. These are preferably as shown schematically in FIG. 5 indicated, SMD component 49, which together with the piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and the Cutting disc 15 in an automatic assembly process can be applied.

Fig. 6 und 7 zeigen zwei um 90° gegeneinander gedrehte Schnittebenen durch eine Vorrichtung zur Feststellung und/oder Überwachung eines vorbestimmten Füllstandes in einem Behälter, die einen erfindungsgemäßen elektromechanischen Wandler 101 aufweist.6 and 7 show two rotated against each other by 90 ° Cutting planes through a device for detection and / or monitoring a predetermined fill level in a container that a invention has electromechanical transducer 101.

Die Vorrichtung weist ein im wesentlichen zylindrisches Gehäuse 95 auf, das endseitig von einer kreisscheibenförmigen Membran 97 frontbündig verschlossen ist. An der Außenseite des Gehäuses 95 sind an der Membran 97 zwei in den Behälter weisende Schwingstäbe 99 angeformt. Gehäuse 95, Membran 97 und Schwingstäbe 99 sind Bestandteile eines mechanischen Schwingungsgebildes, das durch einen im Inneren des Gehäuses 95 angeordneten elektromechanischen Wandler 101 in Schwingungen versetzt wird. Dabei führt die Membran 97 Biegeschwingungen aus und die Schwingstäbe 99 werden in Schwingungen senkrecht zu deren Längsachse versetzt. Es sind jedoch auch Schwingungsgebilde einsetzbar, die nur einen oder keine Schwingstäbe aufweisen. Bei den letztgenannten kommt z.B. nur die schwingende Membran mit einem in dem Behälter befindlichen Füllgut in Kontakt.The device has a substantially cylindrical Housing 95 on the end of a circular disc Membrane 97 is closed flush. At the Outside of the housing 95 are two in on the membrane 97 vibrating rods 99 formed on the container. casing 95, membrane 97 and vibrating rods 99 are components of one mechanical vibratory structure, which by an im Electromechanical arranged inside the housing 95 Converter 101 is vibrated. The leads Membrane 97 bending vibrations and the vibrating rods 99 become vibrations perpendicular to their longitudinal axis added. However, they are also vibrational structures usable with only one or no vibrating rods exhibit. The latter comes e.g. only that vibrating membrane with one in the container Product in contact.

Die Vorrichtung ist auf der Höhe eines vorbestimmten Füllstandes anzubringen. Hierzu ist am Gehäuse 95 ein Außengewinde vorgesehen, mittels dessen die Vorrichtung in eine entsprechende Öffnung in einem Behälter einschraubbar ist. Andere Arten der Befestigung, z.B. mittels Flanschen, sind ebenfalls einsetzbar. Andere Arten der Befestigung, z.B. mittels Flanschen, sind ebenfalls einsetzbar.The device is at a predetermined level Level. For this purpose, the housing 95 External thread provided, by means of which the device in a corresponding opening can be screwed into a container is. Other types of attachment, e.g. by means of flanges, can also be used. Other types of attachment, e.g. using flanges can also be used.

Es ist ein erfindungsgemäßer elektromechanischer Wandler 101 vorgesehen, wie er zuvor anhand der in den Figuren 1 bis 5 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiele beschrieben wurde. Er dient im Betrieb dazu das mechanische Schwingungsgebilde in Schwingungen zu versetzten und dessen von einem momentanen Füllstand abhängige Schwingungen aufzunehmen und einer weiteren Verarbeitung und/oder Auswertung zugänglich zu machen. It is an electromechanical transducer according to the invention 101 is provided, as was previously the case in FIG to 5 illustrated embodiments has been described. In operation, it serves the mechanical vibration structure to vibrate and one of them dependent vibrations at the current level and further processing and / or evaluation to make it accessible.

Der Wandler 101 ist zwischen einem ersten und einem zweiten jeweils endseitig an den Stapel angrenzenden Stempel 103 eingefaßt. Die Stempel 103 bestehen vorzugsweise aus einem sehr harten Material, z.B. einem Metall.The converter 101 is between a first and a second stamp 103 adjacent to the end of the stack bordered. The stamp 103 preferably consist of a very hard material, e.g. a metal.

Der Wandler 101 ist entlang einer Längsachse des Gehäuses 95 zwischen einer in das Gehäuses 95 eingeschraubten Druckschraube 105 und der Membran 97 eingespannt. Hierdurch ist die Membran 97 vorgespannt.The converter 101 is along a longitudinal axis of the housing 95 between a screwed into the housing 95 Pressure screw 105 and the membrane 97 clamped. hereby membrane 97 is biased.

Der Sender dient dazu im Betrieb das mechanische Schwingungsgebilde zu mechanischen Schwingungen anzuregen. Hierzu liegt am Sender im Betrieb ein elektrisches Sendesignal an, durch das der Sender und damit der Wandler 101 zu Dickenoszillationen angeregt wird.The transmitter serves the mechanical in operation Vibrations to excite mechanical vibrations. To do this, there is an electrical one on the transmitter during operation Transmitting signal through which the transmitter and thus the converter 101 is excited to thickness oscillations.

Entsprechend führt eine Schwingung der Schwingstäbe 99 zu einer Biegeschwingung der Membran 97, die wiederum eine Dickenoszillation des Wandlers 101 bewirkt. Diese Dickenoszillation führt zu einer Veränderung der über dem Empfänger abfallenden Spannung. Ein entsprechendes Empfangssignal steht über die Empfangssignalleitung LE zur Verfügung.Accordingly, vibration of the vibrating rods 99 leads to a bending vibration of the membrane 97, which in turn is a Thickness oscillation of the transducer 101 causes. This Thickness oscillation leads to a change in the above Receiver falling voltage. A corresponding one Receive signal is available via the receive signal line LE Available.

Die Amplitude dieser Empfangssignale ist um so größer, je größer die mechanische Schwingungsamplitude des mechanischen Schwingungsgebildes ist. In Ausnutzung dieser Tatsache wird die Anordnung vorzugsweise bei deren Resonanzfrequenz fr betrieben. Bei der Resonanzfrequenz fr ist die mechanische Schwingungsamplitude maximal.The amplitude of these received signals is greater, the greater the mechanical vibration amplitude of the mechanical vibration structure. Taking advantage of this fact, the arrangement is preferably operated at its resonant frequency f r . The mechanical vibration amplitude is at a maximum at the resonance frequency f r .

Damit das mechanische Schwingungsgebilde in Schwingungen bei dessen Resonanzfrequenz fr versetzt wird, kann z.B. ein Regelkreis vorgesehen sein, der eine zwischen dem Sendesignal und dem Empfangssignal bestehende Phasendifferenz auf einen bestimmten konstanten Wert regelt, z.B. indem ein Empfangssignal über einen Phasenschieber und einen Verstärker auf das Sendesignal zurück gekoppelt wird. Ein solcher Regelkreis ist z. B. in der DE-A 44 19 617 beschrieben.So that the mechanical oscillation structure is set in oscillation at its resonance frequency f r , a control circuit can be provided, for example, which regulates a phase difference between the transmitted signal and the received signal to a certain constant value, for example by adding a received signal via a phase shifter and an amplifier to it Send signal is coupled back. Such a control loop is e.g. B. described in DE-A 44 19 617.

Die sich einstellende Resonanzfrequenz fr und deren Amplitude hängen davon ab, ob das mechanische Schwingungsgebilde von dem Füllgut im Behälter bedeckt ist oder nicht. Entsprechend können eine oder auch beide Meßgrößen zur Feststellung und/oder zur Überwachung des vorbestimmten Füllstandes herangezogen werden.The resulting resonance frequency f r and its amplitude depend on whether or not the mechanical vibratory structure is covered by the filling material in the container. Correspondingly, one or both measured variables can be used to determine and / or to monitor the predetermined fill level.

Es kann z.B. das Empfangssignal einer Auswerteeinheit zugeführt sein, die mittels einer Frequenzmeßschaltung dessen Frequenz bestimmt und das Ergebnis einem Komparator zuführt. Dieser vergleicht die gemessene Frequenz mit einer in einem Speicher abgelegten Referenzfrequenz fR. Ist die gemessene Frequenz kleiner als die Referenzfrequenz fR gibt die Auswerteeinheit ein Ausgangssignal ab, das angibt, daß das mechanische Schwingungsgebilde von einem Füllgut bedeckt ist. Weist die Frequenz einen Wert auf der größer als die Referenzfrequenz fR ist, so gibt die Auswerteeinheit ein Ausgangssignal ab, das angibt, daß das mechanische Schwingungsgebilde nicht vom Füllgut bedeckt ist.For example, the received signal can be fed to an evaluation unit, which uses a frequency measuring circuit to determine its frequency and feed the result to a comparator. This compares the measured frequency with a reference frequency f R stored in a memory. If the measured frequency is lower than the reference frequency f R , the evaluation unit emits an output signal which indicates that the mechanical oscillation structure is covered by a filling material. If the frequency has a value which is greater than the reference frequency f R , the evaluation unit emits an output signal which indicates that the mechanical oscillation structure is not covered by the filling material.

Das Ausgangssignal ist z.B. eine Spannung, die einen entsprechenden Wert annimmt oder ein Strom, der einen entsprechenden Wert aufweist oder dem ein Signalstrom in Form von Pulsen mit einer entsprechenden Frequenz oder einer entsprechenden Dauer überlagert ist.The output signal is e.g. a tension that one corresponding value or a current that a has a corresponding value or a signal current in Form of pulses with a corresponding frequency or a corresponding duration is superimposed.

Die piezoelektrischen Elemente 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 sind in eine Hülse eingebracht aus der seitlich die flexible Leiterplatte 13 heraus geführt ist. Die Stempel 103 sind endseitig auf die Hülse aufgesteckt. Die Leiterplatte ist im montierten Zustand um den Stapel herum gewickelt und in einem Einsatz 106 in dem Gehäuse 95 angeordnet. Der Einsatz 106 ist im wesentlichen topfförmig und weist einen Boden auf, in dessen Mitte eine durchgehende Öffnung 107 vorgesehen ist. Die Form der Öffnung 107 ist der des Stempels 103 nachempfunden. Die Membran 97 weist vorzugsweise eine der Form des ersten Stempels 103 nachempfundene Mulde auf, in der die runde Kuppel des Stempels 103 drehbar gelagert ist. Diese Form der Lagerung bietet den Vorteil, daß aufgrund der runden Form der Kuppel und der Mulde eine Drehung ohne große Reibungsverluste und ohne auf den Stapel einwirkende Torsionskräfte ohne weiteres möglich ist und trotzdem gleichzeitig aufgrund der großen Auflagefläche der Kuppel in der Mulde eine sehr gute mechanische Kraftübertragung vom Stapel auf die Membran 97 gewährleistet ist.The piezoelectric elements 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 are in a sleeve inserted from the side of the flexible PCB 13 is guided out. The stamps 103 are plugged onto the end of the sleeve. The circuit board is in the assembled state wrapped around the stack and in an insert 106 arranged in the housing 95. The stake 106 is generally cup-shaped and has a bottom in the middle of which a through opening 107 is provided. The shape of the opening 107 is that of Modeled after stamp 103. The membrane 97 has preferably one of the shape of the first stamp 103 modeled trough in which the round dome of the Stamp 103 is rotatably mounted. This form of storage has the advantage that due to the round shape of the dome and the trough a rotation without large friction losses and without torsional forces acting on the stack without further is possible and at the same time due to the large bearing surface of the dome in the trough is a very good one mechanical power transmission from the stack to the membrane 97 is guaranteed.

Der Einsatz 106 weist einen in membran-abgewandter Richtung fortgeführten schmalen Wandabschnitt auf, der als Schutzlehne für den zum Stecker 53 führenden Abschnitt 52 der flexiblen Leiterplatte 13 dient.The insert 106 has a direction facing away from the membrane continued narrow wall section, which as Protective backrest for section 52 leading to plug 53 the flexible circuit board 13 is used.

Die Druckschraube 105 ist mit dem Einsatz 106 mittels einem Schnappverschluß verbunden. Hierzu weist der Einsatz 106 zwei einander gegenüberliegend an dessen membranabgewandten Ende angeordnete Ausnehmungen auf, in die entsprechend geformte an einem membran-zugewandten Ende der Druckschraube 105 vorgesehene Rastnasen einrasten. Der Schnappverschluß bietet den Vorteil, daß der Einsatz 106 und die Druckschraube 105 auf sehr einfache Weise fest mit einander verbunden sind.The pressure screw 105 is with the insert 106 by means of a Snap lock connected. For this purpose, insert 106 two opposite each other on its membrane-facing End arranged recesses in the appropriately shaped at a membrane-facing end of the Engage the pressure screw 105 with the provided locking lugs. The Snap lock has the advantage that the insert 106 and the pressure screw 105 in a very simple manner are connected.

Die Druckschraube 105 weist eine seitlich offene Ausnehmung auf, durch die der mit dem Stecker 53 verbundene Abschnitt 52 der flexiblen Leiterplatte 13 hindurch geführt ist.The pressure screw 105 has an open on the side Recess through which the connected to the connector 53 Section 52 of the flexible circuit board 13 passed through is.

Auf den Stecker ist ein Steckverbinder 109 aufgesetzt, über den der elektromechanische Wandler angeschließbar ist.A plug connector 109 is placed on the plug, via which the electromechanical converter can be connected.

Claims (8)

  1. An electromechanical transducer, which comprises
    piezoelectric elements (1, 3, 5, 7, 9,11) which are arranged in a stack and,
    between which contact electrodes (G, S, E) are arranged, by way of which the piezoelectric elements (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11) are electrically connected, characterized in that
    the contact electrodes (G, S, E) are flat terminal lugs (33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91) extending out of a flexible printed circuit board (13, 13a, 13b, 13c).
  2. An electromechanical transducer according to Claim 1, in which
    the flexible printed circuit board (13a) has a step-shaped portion (17),
    a flat terminal lug (33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49) extends out at each step (19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31), and
    the steps (19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31) have a height which is equal to the thickness of the piezoelectric elements (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11) bounding the respective step (19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31).
  3. An electromechanical transducer according to Claim 1, in which
    the stack comprises at least two partial stacks arranged one above the other, and
    the piezoelectric elements (1, 3, 5, 7; 9, 11) of each partial stack are attached by means of terminal lugs (55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69) which are arranged around a base face (71, 73) of the flexible printed circuit board (13b) associated with the partial stack and which extend out of the printed circuit board (13b).
  4. An electromechanical transducer according to Claim 1, in which the flexible printed circuit board (13c) has a portion (75) in which a plurality of conductor tracks extend one above the other and in which each conductor track terminates in a terminal lug (77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91) extending at a right angle to the conductor track, wherein the individual terminal lugs (77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91) are arranged parallel to one another and are used for connecting piezoelectric elements (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11) adjacent to them.
  5. An electromechanical transducer according to one of the preceding Claims, in which electronic components, in particular surface-mounted devices (49), are arranged on the flexible printed circuit board (13, 13a, 13b, 13c).
  6. A method of producing an electromechanical transducer according to one of the preceding Claims, in which
    the flexible printed circuit board (13, 13a, 13b, 13c) is assembled with components,
    the terminal lugs (33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91) are arranged parallel to one another and one above the other by deformation of the flexible printed circuit board (13, 13a, 13b, 13c), as a result of which the piezoelectric elements (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11) are stacked one above the other, and
    the stack is pressed.
  7. A method according to Claim 6, in which the components are piezoelectric elements (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11) and SMD components (49), and the assembly takes place automatically.
  8. A device for ascertaining and/or monitoring a pre-determined filling state in a container, the device comprising:
    a mechanical oscillation structure to be attached at the level of the pre-determined filling state, and
    an electromechanical transducer (101) according to one of Claims 1 to 5,
    which is used in operation to convert the mechanical oscillation structure into oscillations and to pick up its oscillations dependent upon a momentary filling state and to make them accessible for further processing and/or evaluation.
EP01943375A 2000-06-07 2001-05-16 Electromechanical transducer Expired - Lifetime EP1287720B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10028319 2000-06-07
DE10028319A DE10028319A1 (en) 2000-06-07 2000-06-07 Electromechanical transducer has piezoelectric elements in stack with intermediate contact electrodes in form of flat connecting vanes fed out of flexible circuit board
PCT/EP2001/005542 WO2001095667A1 (en) 2000-06-07 2001-05-16 Electromechanical transducer

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EP1287720A1 EP1287720A1 (en) 2003-03-05
EP1287720B1 true EP1287720B1 (en) 2004-06-30

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CN (1) CN1218610C (en)
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AU (1) AU2001265968A1 (en)
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DE (2) DE10028319A1 (en)
EA (1) EA004668B1 (en)
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EP1287720A1 (en) 2003-03-05
WO2001095667A1 (en) 2001-12-13
HU223886B1 (en) 2005-03-29
CA2421318C (en) 2007-05-08
US20030168945A1 (en) 2003-09-11
CN1433662A (en) 2003-07-30
ATE270488T1 (en) 2004-07-15
EA200201295A1 (en) 2003-06-26
AU2001265968A1 (en) 2001-12-17
DE50102749D1 (en) 2004-08-05
DE10028319A1 (en) 2001-12-13
CN1218610C (en) 2005-09-07
JP3602523B2 (en) 2004-12-15
JP2003536294A (en) 2003-12-02
HUP0301309A2 (en) 2003-08-28
CA2421318A1 (en) 2003-02-04
EA004668B1 (en) 2004-06-24
US6946779B2 (en) 2005-09-20

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